Crescimento Limpo, Supportive Housing for Homeless

The services of Crescimento Limpo often have a different look and feel from one season to the next as we serve individuals coming from different circumstances who stay for varied amounts of time. We work to provide residents the opportunity to develop their independence and to progress with dignity. While we serve our residents to help them grow, we also remind them that any healthy dynamic must have a sense of mutuality (eg. - family, work life, relationships, etc.). And CL has only been able to grow into the dynamic and diverse organization that it is today because of the way our friends in recovery have time and time again become our partners. 

Carlos is a great example of this. Carlos followed in his sister's footsteps after she had already migrated to Brazil from Venezuela, lived at the CL house and worked for CL's café, the Caféla. With her and CL's help, Carlos arrived in Itu with his wife and son and very little portuguese. Carlos lived at CL and took part in the 15-day back-to-work training program that is offered on the CL farm to all incoming residents.  Carlos brought with him some agricultural skills from his life in Venezuela and an appetite for learning how to run a farm in Brazil. As He was completing his 15 days of initial training we had a full time job opportunity open up on our farm and we were very glad to keep Carlos on with us as staff. Carlos has grown in his understanding of the portuguese language, agricultural practice, and also the complex social dynamics of assisting new CL residents in developing a new way of life required for independent living. 

At the end of 2024 our previous farm coordinator, Rogério, moved on from his role with CL. Carlos was a natural choice to be trained to take his place and we have seen Carlos continue to grow and dedicate himself to all that the position requires. 

We are proud of the services that CL offers, but we are especially proud to see those services offered by the hands of individuals who have previously benefited from such services. Thank you for giving financially to our work! And as you do, know that some of our friends, like Carlos, will in turn join in the efforts.